Design Colleges in Karnataka 2026-27
Design education in Karnataka has grown from fashion and graphic programmes into product design, interaction design, UX and animation. Karnataka 39 design colleges serve students targeting careers in Bangalore technology and creative industries, India fashion sector, film and gaming, and global design firms. Here is what the design stream offers and how admissions work in 2026-27.
Design Programmes and Admission
NIFT Entrance Test: Required for NIFT Bangalore — one of India top fashion design institutions covering Creative Ability Test (CAT) and General Ability Test (GAT). Fees approximately Rs 1.7-2.2 lakh per year. Direct admission: Most private design colleges in Bangalore and Mangalore admit through portfolio review, aptitude test and interview. No single state entrance exam for private design college admissions.
Top Design Colleges in Karnataka
| College | City | Specialisation | Annual Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| NIFT Bangalore | Bangalore | Fashion, Textile, Accessory | Rs 1,80,000-2,20,000 |
| Srishti Manipal Institute | Bangalore | Interdisciplinary Design, Art | Rs 2,00,000-2,80,000 |
| MAHE School of Design | Manipal | Fashion, Interior | Rs 1,50,000-2,00,000 |
| RV School of Architecture and Design | Bangalore | Interior Design | Rs 80,000-1,20,000 |
Design Career Outcomes
Bangalore technology sector employs UX and UI designers at every scale — from startups to Google, Amazon, Flipkart and Infosys Design. Entry-level UX designer salaries in Bangalore: Rs 4-8 lakh. Mid-level: Rs 8-18 lakh. Senior UX at product companies: Rs 20-40 lakh. Fashion design graduates from NIFT find placement in retail brands and fashion export houses. Product designers work in Bangalore hardware startup ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
NIFT Bangalore ranks in the national top 5 design colleges. Graduate placement is strong in fashion retail, export houses and apparel brands. NIFT entrance preparation requires portfolio development and design aptitude practice from at least 6-8 months before the exam.
Yes. B.Des admissions at most Karnataka design colleges accept students from all streams. Eligibility is 12th completion with minimum 50% marks. Design aptitude and portfolio quality matter more than your 12th stream.
Presidency University School of Design
Bangalore, Karnataka
Indian Academy School of Design
Bangalore, Karnataka
Acharya College of Design
Bangalore, Karnataka
Srishti Manipal Institute of Art Design and Technology
Bengaluru, Karnataka
National Institute of Fashion Technology Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Karnataka
National Institute of Design Bangalore
Bangalore, Karnataka
MS Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies Design
Bangalore, Karnataka
RV School of Architecture and Design
Bangalore, Karnataka
Symbiosis Institute of Design Bangalore
Bangalore, Karnataka
M S Ramaiah College of Arts Science and Commerce Design Department
Bangalore, Karnataka
MIT Institute of Design Bangalore
Bangalore, Karnataka
Rai Technology University School of Design
Bangalore, Karnataka
NIFT Bangalore — National Institute of Fashion Technology
Bangalore, Karnataka
Vivekananda College of Arts Commerce and Science — Design Department
Bangalore, Karnataka
KLE Technological University School of Design
Hubli, Karnataka
Alliance University School of Design
Bangalore, Karnataka